Sam Ricketts on way to Wolves for a medical

The 31-year-old full-back has been cleared to join the Molineux ranks after the clubs agreed an undisclosed but modest six-figure for his services.

Ricketts is having a medical at Compton today while smoothing out the last few contractual details.

Jackett told the Express & Star: “If all goes well today I will be delighted that Sam will be my first signing as head coach of Wolves.

“Sam can fill any of the back four positions and brings a wealth of experience and quality to our club.

“Professionally he is a first-class individual and I am looking forward to working with him again.”

The way for Ricketts was cleared to be reunited with Jackett came with Bolton finally sealing the capture of Blackpool right back Alex Baptiste.

Baptiste had signed a pre-contract agreement at the Reebok Stadium but then had his head turned by a more lucrative offer from Premier League new-boys Crystal Palace.

Bolton manager Dougie Freedman added: “Sam’s been a very good servant for this football club but I can’t, honestly, sit here and guarantee him a position in the team.”

Ricketts will add vital experience and has to be a captaincy contender to what is currently a youthful Wolves squad.

It has been thinned by the exit of senior players such as Christophe Berra, Stephen Hunt, Sylvan Ebanks-Blake and Adam Hammill and the exclusion of Roger Johnson, Stephen Ward, Karl Henry and Jamie O’Hara.

A regular Wales international who has spent the last two years at right back but is equally at home on the left, he has played in all five tiers of the professional game.

And he is something of a late developer after Jackett gave him his chance at the age of 23 at Swansea – then in League Two – after snapping him up from Telford United in the Conference in 2004.

That followed a loan spell with Nuneaton from Oxford United, where the Aylesbury-born defender started his career in the fourth tier, making his debut in October 2000.

Since then he has reeled off 458 appearances in all competitions. But prior to now he is most known to Wolves fans for his stunning 20-yard opener for Bolton at the Reebok Stadium on New Year’s Eve 2011.

That came on his comeback from a 10-month lay-off with an Achilles injury.

latvian wolf

wolfie1429

July 3, 2013 11:39 am

It really does anger me when the same old drivel gets put on this site,the fat controller? wewould be in a more desperate position if it wasnt for mr moxey,as for Ricketts he will surely become captain and i welcome him to Wolves to help the younger squad members you need experience and yuth atthis level,so stop bleating support the team or keep away and go and watch the speedway,

E11wolf

July 3, 2013 3:39 pm

Well done Wolfie - at last an intelligent appraisal of Moxey. It is so pathetic blaming Moxey for all the ills of the club. he doea what he thinks is best for the club and his major task is to ensure we don't ever go near bankruptcy again. A lot of younger fans probably believe the club will go on forever as I did as a kid but I was proven wrong. had it not been for Sir Jack Molineux would be a tescos superstore ironically.

To all fans Get off Moxey's back: get supporting the team with positive posts. Welcome Mr Ricketts - you're just the sort of player we need.

scarletwolf

wolfhound

July 3, 2013 5:10 pm

Its seems to escape peoples attention that we are in league 1 our worst position in 25years and who has been in charge our great CEO Moxey and the book stops with him.So much for him being a great CEO .

Bazrat

July 3, 2013 5:26 pm

Actually it was jack Harris who saved wolves he bought in the Gallagher brothers,who built Asda and gave him 75grand for a couple of dead weights from the albion,and started the rebuild process at the Molly.

Richie baby

July 3, 2013 8:43 pm

Great to hear some experience coming in...moxey is great for wolves and can only be good for the club...a guy at my work said he blamed money for wolves demise...why ? I asked him...he couldn't answer because he knew jack, just happy to jump on the band waggon...saddo...up the wolves, and up with moxey

maltawolves

July 4, 2013 5:57 am

What planet you on E11Wolf.As CEO of our beloved club Moxey is totally responsible for us being a third tier club.Everything moxey does is geared to profitmaking and not stability.Football comes last last in his way of working.With his decision making at football levels we have gone from top tier to 3 in 2 years and remembering the Bhatti years it was by relying on youth and free transfer has been signings that very nearly took us out of the league altogether.As long as moxey remains as CEO then WWFC will always be a profit making selling club with no real asperations for success where it matters,on the bloody FOOTBALL FIELD.

Bazrat

Lakeside

July 3, 2013 4:07 pm

Oh, it was sarcasm was it? And who are the mindless few? Presumably just the ones who disagree with you?

This is an open forum for the expression of opinion whether for or against. I disagree with people on both sides a lot of the time and I'll say so without fear or favour. I am definitely in the anti-Moxey camp. He failed to provide diligent management by allowing McCarthy to spend over £20 million, often on players who were useless. Don't try to tell me he's a shrewd negotiator, he was just lucky that dumb managers were prepared to pay well over the odds for Fletcher and Jarvis.

Bazrat

July 3, 2013 5:32 pm

Yet again another statement from the fringe,he gave 20million to the manager so he could bring players in,so no lack of investment than from Moxey but you employ experts ie managers to pick the players they want.Than to say he should have told the manager no you cannot have them, in you expert opinion what would have the fans said about that.

initowinit

July 3, 2013 9:56 am

A good signing if it happens , mean while what experience have we lost at the back with the likes of Berra Johnson and the ever dependable Ward other than the countless mistakes that cost us over the last 2 seasons and Berra holding out for another stab at the premiership is he serious or does he mean blue square premier , sounds more like it , Look at all the big boys queuing up to sign our star players ,Not .

northumberlandwolf

Solentwolves

July 3, 2013 9:59 am

Bearing in mind that we are for the time being a League 1 club, I reckon this is a shrewd signing. He will give us know-how at the back, which will be handy with a young defence. I am also guessing he will be a good presence in the dressing room. Although we are hoping for additional signings, more good news will be when Johnson, O'Hara, Henry and Ward are finally moved on. The club will then be able to shake off much of what reminds us of recent turbulent times - indeed it will be beneficial to all parties. UTW

Tomwolf

July 3, 2013 12:01 pm

Solentwolves. I agree with your comment, and reading between the lines of KJ statement I think he will be our new Captain too. As for the other four players you've named, I see they have been told to train with the Academy players, as their no longer part of the managers plans. UTW:

Orlando Wolves

July 3, 2013 12:51 pm

Agreed Solent Wolves - Hopefully he will bring some much needed stability and both to the defence and to the dressing room.

I would much rather have a 31 year old professional, internationally experienced player with a positive influence on the younger players than the example set by a troublesome, early morning inebriate in his late 20`s.

Bazrat

latvian wolf

July 3, 2013 6:20 pm

Bazrat i'll give you lot till christmas and then when we're nearer to division 4 what will you do then? as one post was put on here the other day if things don't go well then the south bank will jump on Moxey, Morgan and Jacketts back and I quote "THEY WILL KNOW ABOUT IT"!

Bazrat

johnwaynessaddlebags

jon mason

July 3, 2013 10:09 am

how long before the knockers start moaning about his signing, ricketts is a good player bout time these whingers got a grip we are now a league one team not a big club, get behind kenny lets make the mol rock,get people in who want to play and can play and bye bye to ward ohara and the rest who have had no heart for a fight for 2 seasons,

i love this club and have since i was a boy i do a 500 mile found trip to watch em since i moved from the black country im 52 now and will follow this club till the day i die.

XXXXL MOXEYS UNDIES

July 3, 2013 12:01 pm

Don't be silly , you'll always get the idiots who complain at everything then , become happy clappers when it all turns out right . That's the only thing consistent with our WONDERFUL SUPPORTERS , moan ,moan , and awful at spelling and grammar .

Wulvzs

BrummieRobWolves

July 3, 2013 10:37 am

Will be the perfect signing, as we need old heads to bring on the many quality youngsters that will shine in division one! Now let's get rid of Henry, Johnson, O'Hara, Ward, Sako, Doyle and De Vries and rebuild - a championship winning team! 5000 Wolves marching into Preston... bring it on!

Bob Wolf

July 3, 2013 10:38 am

I just hope he is better than Rohan Ricketts.

We clearly need a few more experienced players as the youth team isn't going to get us out of league one. With the players leaving, think we need a centre half, central midfielder, 2 wingers and a striker.

Jez needs to get the business done, but can he be as efficient when only earning £500k a year??

HAARLEM WOLF

Greg Fletcher

July 4, 2013 11:57 am

Whitmore Reans or Bilston does not matter. Try down town Vanvouver in Canada. You have to wear a metal helmet and keep all your expensive possessions hidden. In some cases it can resemble a War Zone. Very scary I can tell you.

Lakeside

Danny Crainie Double 83

July 3, 2013 3:40 pm

They won't target Bilston, Mr Lakey, not after we carried the rest of Wolvo in the war....we've also got the best chip shap in the world. Everyone knows it, it's the one where you need love bites to work there.

As for the Newbridge females, are they now takin crisps cos they're sick of Petes Nuts???

JIWAL

Bonehead

July 3, 2013 2:34 pm

You complete plonker !

Surely even you can see that the changes that took place for Swansea and Wolves in the interim years had little to do with a non-league player named Ricketts getting his first break with a fourth division side.

Oxford Wolf

July 3, 2013 11:13 am

Not a signing to get the pulse racing, but could prove to be a very useful player to add solidity to what has been a terrible defence for ages. With luck he may turn out to be the wise head we need and do for us what Jody Craddock did so well

Full Metal Jackett

July 3, 2013 11:38 am

kenny's the man. He knows this guy and what he can bring to the club. Get behind your manager and HIS signings you lot. Age is not a problem for defence, remember the Arsenal back four of Dixon, Bould , adams & Winterburn.

Millwall Wolf

July 3, 2013 11:55 am

This looks like a great first signing, if it goes through. Yes, we're all looking forward to Mr Jackett building a new team of exciting young players, but we also need some experience in there as well. Delighted that a player of this caliber wants to join us.

65dma

July 3, 2013 9:20 pm

I am a Bolton fan and agree with you. Sam Rickets will be a great signing for the Wolves and will lead by example.A good pro who never complained when he wasn't in the starting 11.I think the Wolves need a few more like him and they will be back in the championship.Sorry to see him go.

rich finch

July 3, 2013 12:03 pm

why is it some wolves fans moan at everything? you cant expect us to just sign young players and walk the league we also need a blend of experience aswell. For a league one side this is a really good signing experienced, versatile and a international. Get behind jacket and stop complaining !!!!!!!

Whitewolf

July 3, 2013 12:16 pm

I think this will be a great signing for wolves, stop moaning guys and get behind the club. Who moaned when Denis Irwin or Paul Ince signed who I believe were well over the 30 age bracket and went on to serve the club very well. UPTW

Brad

spanish ray

July 3, 2013 12:58 pm

A good signing for the position we are in at the moment.Let the knockers knock,they have nothing better to do.I am the first to moan if I think something is wrong and admit I can`t be right all the time but some of these so-called supporters would moan if we bought Ronaldo.I agree with the "moaners" about one thing though,How much longer is Morgan going to keep backing Moxey.He should have gone ages ago,and this club will never really prosper as long as he stays.

Sir Billy Quiet

BrummieRobWolves

July 3, 2013 1:57 pm

Anyone slating signings of this ilk are idiots or Tesco fans? He had a choice of Championship teams but chose us! People though that are defending Moxey's significant part of our demise are clearly wrong. Whose fault is it that we did not sign the likes of Dann, Gardner, Distin, Demba Ba etc?

Bingbong

BrummieRobWolves

July 3, 2013 4:41 pm

You are obviously still obsessed with your bigger and more successful neighbours? Anyway worry about your chairman's comments that you are punching well above your weight and with your fanbase and financial clout, you should be a mid table Championship team. Guaranteed bottom 6 for you next season due to loss of players and your 2013 form!

Bazrat

The dark cloud

July 3, 2013 6:56 pm

You've had 1 decent season in the poorest premiership ever 1 decent season in how many and here you are on our site concerning yourself with our affairs me thinks you are a bit of an idiot.NOT CONCERNED MY RRRRR's

Greg Fletcher

My Sociology Lecture once told me that Arrogance can lead to contempt. I know understand what he meant.

Being arrogance does not bring you success or it does it shows lack of intelligence.

Maybe being from Sandwell I can fully understand the lack of intelligence. Be very aware of the facts of Birmingham City. There Fans were arrogant and look where they are. No money. Their Chairman on Embezzlement charges.

Old Golds Worth More

Tamworth wolf

July 3, 2013 3:05 pm

Shades of Mad Mick here, Rickets is a specialist Left Back, but can play anywhere across the back. Just what we need even before the season starts, buy a player and play him out of position. Lord help us all

Vaguely noodle

July 4, 2013 6:04 am

Once again I must come to the defence Richard Stearman.If he stays and plays I for one think that he will more than adequate in our back four.Where do you get this WORST DEFENDER EVER TO WEAR A WOLVES SHIRT from.It may be your opion but where,s your proof?As a Wokves supporter for 67 years I,ve seen some class and I,ve seen some crap but your statement certainly comes under the crap.So all I can say to you is ON YER BIKE.

Georgewolf

July 3, 2013 3:20 pm

Brilliant news, would've liked murphy aswell but if he dos t want to be here then I don't want him here! We need players that are proud to wear the short and are 100% commited to getting us out of the crisis were in!

WurzelWolf

July 3, 2013 3:26 pm

Really folks, this is the 1 signing we've been screaming for about 4 years. KJ comes in and addresses it instantly. Where Mick, Terry, Stale and Dean all failed to do so. Actually, Dean did plug the gap with a loan signing, so a bit of respect for that.

stu Favill

July 3, 2013 5:25 pm

We have to face fact here - we are now a league 1 (Div 3) team, that has struggled for 5 years and has been in free fall for 3 seasons. Players want success and money today more than ever, and there is little promise of either at Wolves in 2013. The so called big players who have now been sent to Coventry came by & large for the loot cos no one else was offering them contracts that will set them up for life - pressure off for them i guess. So any players we will attract will be either untried & unknown who want to make a name for themselves or players in the twilight of their careers - that's the name of the game at the Mol for the near future. One would hope promotion is possible - at least we're in a better position when we fell into this league last time, & yes i was there & when we fell even further, buti think it will be a bloody hard slog in this league and i don't know if we have the tools to cope We'll see. There's a lot of water gotta go under the bridge yet,before a ball is kicked in anger. let's give Kenny a chance, anythings better than the last 3!!

bazza

wolfshead

July 3, 2013 5:58 pm

Yes likely to be a good signing. However I still think that defence is lacking depth and experience. If Karl is on his way out what about arranging an exchange deal with Leicester for St Ledger, if it's them, or indeed prevail on Mick for the services of Cresswell, should it be Ipswich.

chris h

July 3, 2013 9:48 pm

I have always looked upon him as a decent player.With so many senior players being sold or released, we need some one to guide the young players.Jackett knows him and obviously trusts him.All managers like to bring in one or two of their former players. My only concern would be the Achilles injury, I have read comments from Bolton fans that he has not been so effective since returning from this injury.Still if he signs hopefully he will do a good job for us.I would play him in the middle with Baath.